The Madison Family Newsletter is created each month by the Office of Family Engagement in partnership with many members of the JMU community. For more family resources, visit our website.
In This Issue:
- A Letter from Dr. Miller
- Concerned for a Student? Madison Cares Wants to Help!
- Dining Events in February
- Donate to Help Us Win Food Fight!
- Study Abroad Week: Feb. 9-13
- University Career Fair
- Service Experiences and Paid Leadership Roles with CEVC
- JMU ♥s Transfers
- Madison Money Mentors: Helping Dukes Build Financial Confidence for Life
- Battleship at UREC
- 2026 Wilderness Therapy Program
- Submit the 2026-27 FAFSA Before March 1st
- Alternative Transportation Update
- Out of State Student Travel Home: Spring Break
- Ignite Innovation at JMU
- Cole Swindell & Gabby Barrett Coming to the Atlantic Union Bank Center
- Ethical Reasoning Educators in Action
- On Track for August: Carrier Library Renovation Moves from Construction to Interiors
A Letter from Dr. Tim Miller
Hello JMU families,
Now that we’re several weeks into the semester, I hope your students are settling in with their routine that includes a healthy mix of academics, social life, self-care and personal time. If not, now is the time to check on this and help them set the stage for an incredible semester in all aspects of their lives.
The spring semester often feels very different than the fall. It starts out with more time spent indoors, so social life looks different, friendships they made last semester may go in different directions, and classes may seem easier for some or more difficult for others. We often find that students come back thinking they have it all figured out and realize most of what they are used to has changed. Classes, friends, weather, etc., are all a little different than they remember after being away for over a month, and the transition can take some time. We recognize the changing needs and continue to develop services and resources to meet our students where they are and help them thrive here at JMU. I’ll share some of them here each month and as always, the Student Gateway is a great place to start any time either of you have questions.
Updates
One thing that tends to be universal is that food is often the center of many social interactions. This year we’ve introduced Community Tables in D-Hall and E-Hall where students can join a table and eat with other Dukes, play games, engage in conversation and meet new people. As interest grows, we plan to expand this idea to help everyone grow their community and maybe even set down their phones for a little while. In addition, this week I attended JMU Dining’s first Supper Club and it was a lot of fun to get to know more students and enjoy a great meal. We even reviewed some etiquette with them, so they are prepared to use the right fork and not steal someone else’s bread next time!
Reminders
We hope your Dukes are thinking about internships and future careers and the Career Center has career fairs and other helpful workshops happening all month. Whether it’s their second semester or their last, I encourage all students to go to the career fairs and engage with the employers there. Before they go, they should think through their 30-second elevator pitch about themselves, pick out an outfit that is both professional and comfortable, and then find a friend they can go with for support. When they get there, I recommend they walk around the whole fair first and identify 4-6 employers they want to talk to about their companies and roles they hire. Then, pick one to go to first that maybe isn’t at the top of their list and have a conversation to get some practice and get more comfortable. They will find the room is full of JMU alums who come back to hire for their companies so they can be comfortable knowing they are often talking to a fellow Duke. We know this can be a daunting and sometimes scary experience, but it gets easier the more you do it.
Here are just a few of the events from the Career Center happening this month:
Feb 9 Outfits for Opportunities: After Hours Career Closet Access
Feb 9 Becoming Career Ready
Feb 11 Internship 101
Feb 12 and 13 Clothes, Cookies and Resumes
Feb 17 and 18 University Career Fair
Events
There are plenty of other things happening also. Here are a few suggestions you can share with your Duke:
Tea Time every Wednesday, 4 p.m. in the Union
Crafternoon every Thursday, noon – 3 p.m. in the Union
Community Tables every Wednesday, 6 – 8 p.m. in D-Hall and Sundays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in E-Hall
Movies at Grafton-Stovall Theater
UREC Classes and Programs (Pro tip: They’re not all about exercising!)
Counseling Center Workshops
And as always, more events can be found on the Event Calendar, Be Involved and Dukes Weekly.
Questions to ask your student
What are your plans for housing next year?
Even if you’ve already had this conversation, their plans may have changed or they may be thinking twice about those original plans. Now is the time to be looking into their options, deciding about roommates and agreeing on budgets (especially if they’ll be living off campus).
What’s your favorite class right now? What do you like about it?
It’s good to talk about what they’re learning from their classes, rather than only focusing on grades. That being said, it’s also about time to have that first check-in of the semester to look at their grades and attendance to identify any areas they need to work on early.
What are your plans for Spring Break?
You may think you know, but it’s best to be sure all expectations are clear. Sometimes students’ ideas of planning ahead are different than ours.
Finally, some of your students may have struggled with different things last semester including classes, social life, health and well-being, etc. and they came back to JMU with some plans and strategies to improve. I would ask how these are going and what progress and successes they have had so far. This is about the time that resolutions have been scrapped and they may have hit some bumps in those plans so helping them celebrate little wins can make a huge difference.
I hope you find these letters and the information in these newsletters helpful. We’re all dedicated to your student’s success and are thankful for your partnership and trust.
Take care and Go Dukes!
Dr. Tim Miller
Vice President for Student Affairs
Tip: Keep up with important dates and deadlines by bookmarking the Academic Calendar.
Submitted by: Dominique Rodriguez, Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Students
The Dean of Students office invites family members to submit a Madison Cares Referral for any students they might be concerned about. Whether they are having trouble with the transition to college, are experiencing difficulties with their health, or navigating a family emergency, we are here to help. Our team will respond and address any concerns by providing outreach, university resources, and direct support to the student.
Contact us at madisoncares@jmu.edu or 540-568-6468 if you have any questions.
Submitted by: Heather Holsinger, Marketing Manager, JMU Dining
Embark on a culinary journey around the globe!
Dining is teaming up with the Center for Global Engagement on February 10 to showcase dishes inspired by upcoming study‑abroad destinations. Stop by D-Hall for dinner to enjoy flavors from Norway, South Africa, Egypt, Nepal, India, and more. CGE staff will be on-site to share program details and answer any questions you may have. Bon voyage—and bon appétit!
E-Hall can’t wait to celebrate Mardi Gras with you on Tuesday, February 17! Join us for a taste of authentic New Orleans cuisine, festive mask‑decorating, plenty of beads, and all the fun and flair of Mardi Gras right here on campus. Come ready to celebrate!
Submitted by: Zora Hancock, AmeriCorps VISTA for Food Insecurity, The Pantry at JMU/OCL
The Pantry at JMU provides free, on-campus access to food and hygiene products for all students, no questions asked. In addition to three convenient pantry locations, the program also offers support such as meal vouchers for students without meal plans.
This month, The Pantry is participating in The Schools of Sun Belt Conference's Food Fight, an intercollegiate donation competition that JMU proudly won last year. Donations earn points based on a scoring system: 4 points for preferred items, 2 points for every $1 donated, and 1 point for all other items. A list of high-value donation items and a link to give can be found on The Pantry’s website.
Throughout the month, The Pantry is also hosting educational and awareness-building programs, including a screening of a documentary created by a UVA student that explores food insecurity on college campuses. Now in its third year, the Food Fight continues to be an important way to support students’ basic needs, and all contributions make a meaningful difference.
For questions or to learn how you or your student can get involved, please contact pantry@jmu.edu.
Submitted by: Matthew Zittritsch, Assistant Director of Engagement & Outreach, Center for Global Engagement
Encourage your Duke to join us for a week of events and workshops in celebration of the transformative power of education abroad. Throughout the week, they will have the chance to taste foods from around the world, connect with peers who have returned from their own international adventures, and learn more about opportunities to study abroad as soon as this summer. Whether they are seasoned globetrotters or simply dreaming of their first international experience, Study Abroad Week offers something for every student!
Submitted by: Carlos Yanez, Communications Coordinator, University Career Center
The University Career Fair is one of the most valuable career-readiness opportunities available to JMU students, regardless of major or class year. More than 100 employers from a wide range of industries will be on campus recruiting for internships and full-time positions across all academic programs.
Families are encouraged to urge their students to attend for at least 30 minutes and speak with five or more employers. Even a brief visit helps students build confidence, practice professional communication, and explore career options. While the fair is especially beneficial for juniors and seniors, first and second-year students gain valuable experience by observing, practicing introductions, and becoming comfortable in a professional setting. Early exposure reduces anxiety and better prepares students for future job searches!
University Career Fair
Tuesday, Feb. 17 & Wednesday, Feb. 18 | 1–5 p.m.
Atlantic Union Bank Center (AUBC)
Students can prepare by:
Scheduling an appointment on Handshake with the University Career Center (UCC) to have their resume reviewed and come up with talking points for interacting with recruiters. Evening appointments are available Sunday–Tuesday from 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Attending UCC prep events, like:
Outfits for Opportunities: After‑Hours Career Closet Access
Monday, Feb. 9 | 6–8 p.m. | SSC 3250 (UCC Office)
Students can shop the Career Closet outside of regular hours and select free professional clothing for career fairs, interviews, and internships. Stylists Meghan Schenker‑Fulcher (Women for Madison) and alumnus Kevin Murphy (Classic Menswear) will provide measurements, tie‑tying tips, and fashion advice.
Clothes, Cookies, & Resumes
Thursday, Feb. 12 & Friday, Feb. 13 | 1–4 p.m. | SSC 3250
Get a free headshot; have their resume reviewed; browse our Career Closet of FREE professional clothing, shoes, and accessories; and enjoy light snacks.
Your encouragement can make a meaningful difference. Reminding your student to attend (even briefly) can help them take an important step toward career success!
Submitted by: Lindsey Richards Barnes, Assistant Director, Engagement, Communication, & Innovation, Community Engagement & Volunteer Center
As the semester progresses, the Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC) is excited to share opportunities that support your Duke’s leadership development and meaningful connection to the community.
Spread the Love Happy Hour | February 13 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) | SCC 2200
Students are invited to join CEVC for a Valentine’s Day-themed gathering featuring food, crafts, and conversation in the CEVC office.
This event is co-sponsored with the JMU Pantry. We will highlight campus resources, include a brief conversation about food insecurity, and offer opportunities to create encouraging affirmations to share with others.
Alternative Spring Breaks | March 14-21, 2026 | Deadline: February 8 at 11:59 p.m.
Students can spend spring break traveling with a student-led group to work alongside community partners addressing social issues. Cost: $350. Need-based assistance is available (with the potential to receive up to 50% off the break cost).
Dukes Volunteer
Dukes Volunteer makes it easy for students to serve locally through one-time or weekly projects led by trained CEVC student leaders. Students can show up, serve, and make a difference alongside fellow Dukes.
- Food Recovery Network (reduce food waste on campus)
- Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (support memory care residents)
- Jubilee Climate Farm (climate and food justice initiatives)
- Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA (help with kennel upkeep and shelter animals)
Paid Leader Opportunities
CEVC is hiring for Summer 2026 and 2026-2027. We offer paid student leadership roles that provide hands-on experience, professional skill development, and meaningful community involvement.
For more information, visit jmu.edu/cevc, email cevc@jmu.edu, or call 540-568-6366. We appreciate your continued support as your Duke seeks opportunities to explore, immerse, and lead.
JMU ♥s Transfers
Submitted by: Jolie Lewis, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Support and Director of Transfer Initiatives, Transfer Initiatives
About one in six new students begins their JMU journey as a transfer. We want transfers to feel welcome and know that they have the same opportunities as everyone else at JMU!
The Transfer Initiatives office holds events especially for transfers, including Transfer Tailgates, where students meet up, hang out, and then walk together to another event on campus. Upcoming events include:
• February 11: Transfer Tailgate for the “Flavors of Study Abroad” event
• February 17: Transfer Table at the University Career Fair
• February 20: Transfer Pickleball at UREC
• February 27: UREC Cooking Class for Transfers: “Cooking on a Budget”
Students can follow us on Instagram @jmutransfer or the link below for event details.
Finally, two current JMU students serve as transfer ambassadors who are available to mentor new transfers. If your student would like to connect with an experienced transfer student about their transition to JMU, encourage them to reach out for mentoring through the link below.
Submitted by: Jeremy Hawkins, Assistant Director, Off-Campus Life
College is an exciting time of growth and independence, and for many students, it is also the first time they are managing money on their own. At James Madison University, we recognize that financial confidence is a critical life skill. That is why we offer the Madison Money Mentors program, a peer-to-peer financial education initiative designed to help students make informed, responsible financial decisions during their time at JMU and beyond.
Madison Money Mentors are trained JMU students who provide free, one-on-one financial mentoring to their peers. These mentors are not financial advisors and do not sell products. Instead, they serve as knowledgeable guides who help students understand everyday financial topics in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Common discussion areas include budgeting, managing checking and savings accounts, understanding credit and credit cards, planning for upcoming expenses, and navigating student-related financial decisions.
A key strength of the program is its peer-based approach. Students often feel more comfortable talking through financial questions with another student who understands the realities of college life. This creates space for honest conversations and practical problem-solving while reinforcing healthy financial habits early on.
The program also emphasizes values-based decision-making. Rather than prescribing a single “right” way to manage money, Madison Money Mentors help students align their financial choices with their personal goals, priorities, and responsibilities. Whether a student is learning how to stretch a limited budget, preparing for off-campus living, or building long-term financial confidence, mentors meet them where they are.
Madison Money Mentors is part of JMU’s broader commitment to student well-being and success. Financial stress can affect academic performance, mental health, and persistence toward graduation. By providing accessible financial education and support, the program helps reduce barriers and empowers students to focus on learning and growth.
Parents can encourage their students to take advantage of this free resource as they navigate college finances. Building strong money management skills now lays the foundation for independence, stability, and success long after graduation.
For more information, students can visit the Madison Money Mentors webpage, drop in during open office hours, or email MMMentors@jmu.edu to set up an appointment.
Submitted by: Anaëlle Wagoner, Assistant Director for Communications & Engagement, UREC
Ahoy! Tell your Duke to assemble their crew and register to participate in Battleship, an epic aquatic battle, on February 27 at 4 p.m. Don't let them sink their chances of some fun!
Submitted by: Laurel Brubaker, Staff Clinician, Counseling Center
The 2026 Wilderness Therapy Program is a five-day, four-night therapeutic adventure program in the George Washington National Forest during the week of Spring Break (March 16-20). Participants will include two to three Counseling Center clinicians, two certified guides from UREC, and up to 8 students.
Over the course of this trip, students will backpack through the wilderness and experience outdoor education sessions and therapy process groups. Activities include, but are not limited to: learning proper shelter and camp-building techniques, Leave No Trace education, and proper water filtration techniques, as well as process groups, intra- and inter-personal skill building, natural interventions, and self-reflection. The purpose of this program is to use adventure as a platform for students to improve relational skills, build self-confidence and self-efficacy, and increase healthy coping skills.
All interested students should email Melinda Fox at fox3mm@jmu.edu by 2/27/26 for information on how to register for the trip.
Submit the 2026-27 FAFSA Before March 1st
Submitted by: Jessica Hopkins, Assistant Director of Compliance, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available now. To ensure your student receives priority consideration for all types of financial assistance, the federal government must receive their 2026-27 FAFSA by March 1, 2026. This is JMU’s priority filing date. In some cases, filing later can reduce the chances of receiving certain types of financial aid, including state grants.
Please note that meeting the priority filing date does not guarantee that a student will receive university or state grant dollars. The number of eligible students and the size of our annual funding allocations are significant factors in determining whether sufficient funds are available to award all those who qualify.
Submitting a FAFSA comes with no strings attached. The application is free and can be completed online at studentaid.gov.
For more information, visit the “Apply” section of our website which includes more videos (one with FAFSA tips specifically for parents), Net Price Calculators, Cost of Attendance figures and information about the different types of aid available at JMU.
Submitted by: Valerie Kramer, Alternative Transportation Manager, Parking and Transit Services
Exciting news for our campus community! Beginning February 3, 2026, Shenandoah Regional Airport (SHD) will launch daily jet service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) through American Eagle, operated by SkyWest Airlines. This new route is in addition to SHD’s existing daily service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), offering even more convenient travel options for students, families, and staff.
Travelers can take advantage of SHD’s free on‑site parking as well as their airport shuttle, designed to make your trip smoother from start to finish.
Closer to campus, JMU continues its partnership with the Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation (HDPT) to provide fare‑free bus service for everyone on campus and throughout Harrisonburg, making it easy to get around sustainably and at no cost.
For regional travel, the Virginia Breeze offers twice-daily bus service connecting Harrisonburg to both Southwest Virginia and Northern Virginia, including Dulles International Airport. Tickets can be purchased directly on the Virginia Breeze website.
Whether you’re flying out, commuting locally, or exploring the region, these transportation options help keep our community moving.
For regular updates, follow us on Facebook (JMU Alternative Transportation) and Instagram (@getaroundJMU).
Out of State Student Travel Home: Spring Break
Submitted by: Amy Sfaelos, CollegeTransit
It’s hard to believe it’s time to plan for students to return home for spring break. As of this submission, our Northeast route to Allentown, Morris Plains, Tarrytown and Melville has 18 seats remaining.
As a reminder, since we do get the question often - CollegeTransit does NOT overbook our seats. See you next month!
Submitted by: Ryan Boals, Associate Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations
Madison Trust invites parents, family members, and students to step into the boardroom and help shape JMU’s future. As panelists, you’ll hear faculty and staff pitch innovative projects, ask questions and help decide which ideas receive seed funding — supporting impact in JMU classrooms, on campus and beyond.
Join us Friday, March 13, just before spring break — an ideal time to visit campus or attend while picking up your student.
March 13 | 9:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Festival Conference and Student Center | Business dress | Complimentary meals included | Learn more, view the 2026 projects and RSVP today.
Submitted by: Melissa Wyant, Associate AD for Fan Engagement and Experience, JMU Athletics
Join us at the Atlantic Union Bank Center on May 1 for a night of fun and country tunes from Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett! Tickets are on sale now at AtlanticUnionBankCenter.com - doors open at 6 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m.
Submitted by: Kacey Damaty, Assistant Director, Ethical Reasoning in Action
In the January newsletter, you were introduced to JMU's Ethical Reasoning Educators (ERE) program. Over the next few months, you'll hear from current and former Ethical Reasoning Educators about how they are using the Eight Key Questions (8KQ) to navigate their own lives.
This month, ERE Ethan S. (Class of 2028) shares how he uses the 8KQ in his extra-curricular activities:
"I have used the 8 key questions a few times in my life when faced with a tricky situation. A recent example took place in the fall semester of 2025. As the secretary of a club, I was working on a collaborative event with members from another club. During our discussions and well after plans for the event began to solidify, communications with the other club suddenly went silent. A major point of contention was the goal of the event: to create a product, but we needed to identify who would “own” it. Internally, my club needed to decide on a plan of action going forward, so questions about fairness, ownership, and responsibility were at the forefront of these talks. I used the 8 key questions during this discussion to help our club navigate our thoughts and actions. In the end, the event went off without a hitch and communication with the other club resumed."
Ethan has been an ERE since his freshman year and has experience facilitating 8KQ discussions with his peers, as well as writing scenarios for ethical reasoning events on campus.
Ethical Reasoning in Action provides support to students, families, faculty, and staff at JMU who are interested in using the 8KQ to make more informed ethical decisions in their everyday lives. For more information, visit our website or email us: ethicalreasoning@jmu.edu.
Submitted by: Emily Blake, Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing, Libraries
We are on track to welcome the JMU community back to a transformed Carrier Library this August.
Major construction on the 195,000-square-foot building will wrap up in late January, paving the way for the next phase: finalizing the interiors. Over the coming months, this work will include installing new equipment and technology, receiving and placing thousands of pieces of furniture, moving four miles of books, and setting up service desks and staff workspaces. This complex, highly coordinated effort is designed to bring you a better library experience than ever before.
Dean of Libraries Bethany Nowviskie noted:
"While we'll save the full celebrations for later, I want to share a word of gratitude with everyone who has contributed to this project so far. I am so thankful to the legislators and funders who are making this renovation possible, to the architects, builders, engineers, and craftspeople who shaped and restored the building, and to everyone helping to plan for the future or adapting along with the Libraries during Carrier's ongoing closure especially the students who have been paying it forward to benefit generations of future Dukes. We appreciate the grace you continue to show as we enter this next, intensive phase of work. August will be here before we know it!"
Want more Carrier updates? Follow us on social media or visit our Carrier Renovation & Expansion website for photos, videos, and more!
Curious about the timeline? Explore the visual timeline or learn more in our FAQ.
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